Five tips to help you control your alcohol consumption

1. Make a plan.

What the Bible says: “The plans of the diligent surely lead to success.”—Proverbs 21:5.

Try this: Pick the days of the week when you will drink. Set a moderate limit of how many drinks you will have on those days. And set aside at least two days each week when you will not drink.

“Taking regular breaks from alcohol is the best way to lower your risk of becoming dependent on it,” says a U.K.-based alcohol education charity.

2. Put your plan into action.

What the Bible says: “Complete what you started to do.”—2 Corinthians 8:11.

Try this: Learn what standard drink sizes are so that you can measure and count your drinks accurately. Find healthy nonalcoholic beverages that you enjoy, and keep them accessible.

“Small changes can make a big difference in reducing your chances of having alcohol-related problems,” says the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

3. Stick to your decisions.

What the Bible says: “Let your ‘Yes’ mean yes and your ‘No,’ no.”—James 5:12.

Try this: Be prepared to say “No” in a polite but convincing way if someone offers you a drink that interferes with your plan.

“The faster you can say no to these offers, the less likely you are to give in,” says the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

4. Focus on the benefits of your decisions.

What the Bible says: “Better is the end of a matter than its beginning.”—Ecclesiastes 7:8.

Try this: Make a list of the reasons why you want to stay in control of your consumption of alcohol. Include things such as improving your sleep, health, finances, and relationships. If you talk about your decisions with others, focus on the benefits rather than the challenges.

5. Turn to God for support.

What the Bible says: “For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power.”—Philippians 4:13.

Try this: If you are concerned about your drinking habits, pray to God for help. Ask him for strength and self-control.b And take time to discover the practical wisdom found in his Word, the Bible. With him on your side, you can stay in control of your alcohol consumption.